DCS and Atlas track

mrtroyboy posted:

I have read on other post about the black coating on the center rail interfering with the DCS signal on Atlas track and that it should be removed. I am installing both the DCS and Atlas track to my layout and would like to know if anyone is running both with strong signal without removing the black coating.

Thanks

Our whole layout is ALL Atlas O track & turnouts. Since we have DCS, Legacy and TMCC, the black coating on top of the center rail, has been TOTALLY removed. Everything now works fine.

Also, for what it's worth, everything is weathered, i.e. rolling stock, locomotives, track, and structures, so that "black center rail" would up standing out like a sore thumb, being black. Another reason to remove the black on top of ALL the rails, so that the weathered sides look more uniform.

I have Atlas track and use DCS.  Didn't remove the center rail coating.  DCS signal is strong.

Try DCS with the coating on.  Remove it if you find the signal weaker than expected.

George

I have been using Atlas track, DCS and Legacy for several years now and never had to remove any of the blackening on the center rails. If fact I have reapplied Blacken-It to some of the used track I have bought that had worn blackening on the center rails. I have had only a Rev L TIU (2011/2012 or so when I got back in the hobby), which is said to have a stronger signal. That could be one reason I have not had any problems, but I don't know that for certain?  As said above, I would also try it first before altering any of your track.

thanks for the replies, I will try it with the track as is first.